The latest issue of The Rita Marley Foundation’s Newsletter is all about “Excellence Through Education” starting with the Awards Ceremony of the Rita Marley Foundation Essay Competition.

Here’s an excerpt:

On July 2, the sun shone in stunning splendor. One Love Café at the Bob Marley Museum was clothed in vibrant colours of red, yellow, green and black. Rita Marley’s music and the gentle whiff of frankincense filled the air. Large portraits and framed photos of Bob & Rita Marley greeted guests throughout the venue. Uniform clad students accompanied by their principals and teachers, government officials, dignitaries, diplomats and media streamed through the venue’s entrance, into its gazebo and then to the immaculately decorated outdoor sitting area for the Awards Ceremony celebrating the achievements of participants in the Rita Marley Foundation (Jamaica) Essay Competition.

The Foundation organized a regal celebration. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church administered prayers and blessings. Caricom Youth Ambassador for Jamaica, Mr. Dwayne Gutzmer officiated as Emcee.

An opening address by Ms. Rosemary Duncan (RMF/ Project Coordinator) emphasized Mrs. Marley’s role as matriarch of the Marley family, Founder of the Marley Group of Companies, President of the Rita Marley Foundation and her commitment to the youth, the aged and the less fortunate in Jamaica and Africa (see page 4).

Keynote speaker, Dr. Kwame Boafo (former Regional Director of UNESCO) focused on the importance of reading and writing in achieving success (see page 5). Director of Culture Ms. Dahlia Harris emphasized Jamaica’s impact and contributions to the world.

Master percussionist, Bongo Herman and artiste Aisha Bell wowed the audience with a splendid performance which included a tribute to Mrs. Rita Marley.

The winners were revealed to thunderous applause. Each received prizes for their magnificent work: 4th place – Suwayne Josephs (Marcus Garvey Technical High School); 3rd place- Damain Walker (Bob Marley Primary & Junior High School); 2nd place- Tia Green (Haile Selassie High School).

Cheers and drum roles echoed as Omar Ford of Papine High School was announced the 1st place winner.

To read the winning essay in the latest issue of Harambe, please click here to download.

Additional Newsletter topics include:

• Reading Skills Program Update
• Marley Family Updates
• Letters of Love and Gratitiude from Ethiopia
• Alpha & Omaega Seniors Day Care Project
• A Blessed Earthstrong!